N09311:160
The nature of saving conversion, and the way
The nature of saving conversion, and the way wherein it is wrought. By the Rev'd. learned, and eminently pious, Mr. Solomon Stoddard of Northampton, New-England, first published A.D. 1719.
Boston: : Printed for and sold by Edmund Sawyer, at his house in Newbury., 1770
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
PROP. I. Hypocrisy is to be known only by their Course of life. Men know it only by their walk.
For the clearing of this, Consider,
I. Particular Acts of sin are no evidence of hypocrisy.
1. Many internal acts of sin, are no evidence of hypocrisy. Every godly man has a corrupt principle remaining in him, and that principle does not lie still; but is busy and active. Though it be mortified, yet it is full of life, Heb. 12.1. Lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us. It is like a fountain, always springing up. Gal. 5.17. The flesh lusts against the spirit. Rom. 7.21. I find a law, that when I would do good, evil is present ⟨p. 110⟩with me. The choicest saints do find every day the stirrings of corruption. If they are alone, if they are in company, if they are in the works of their calling, if they are exercising themselves in the duties of religion, they are always haunted with a corrupt heart. They have a multitude of evil thoughts, desires, delights, fears, sorrows. Unbelief is often stirring; so pride and worldliness, frowardness and envy. There be many stirrings of sin that they do not perceive; but abundance that falls under their observation. A corrupt principle will stir upon all occasions; every thing that occurs will awaken it: Therefore saints are warned to keep their hearts with all diligence, Prov. 4.33. And godly men have great occasion every day to repent, and to say as Paul